There’s something truly cozy and irresistible about Amish Applesauce Cake. With its deeply spiced crumb, moist texture, and soulful flavors, this cake brings back memories of autumn kitchens and family tables. Each slice is fragrant with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, and melty applesauce weaves natural sweetness into every bite. Whether you serve it straight up for a snack or dress it up for a party, Amish Applesauce Cake has a way of making people feel right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Amish Applesauce Cake lies in how it transforms simple pantry staples into pure comfort. Each ingredient serves a special purpose, adding flavor, tenderness, and that signature old-fashioned charm. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one deserves its place in the bowl:
- Unsweetened applesauce: The heart of the cake, lending moisture, fruitiness, and subtle tang—make sure it’s unsweetened for perfect balance.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy but soft base for your cake, so you get a good crumb without heaviness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that lets the spices and applesauce shine.
- Packed brown sugar: Deepens the flavor with hints of caramel and gives the cake extra moisture.
- Vegetable oil: Guarantees a tender, moist crumb that stays delicious for days.
- Large eggs: These bind everything together and add structure and richness.
- Baking soda: Works with the applesauce’s acidity for the perfect rise and softness.
- Baking powder: Adds a little extra lift, resulting in a light, tender crumb.
- Cinnamon: The star spice for warmth and that classic applesauce cake aroma.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a delicate, earthy note that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Ground cloves: Intensifies the spiced flavor and gives a hint of old-fashioned depth.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Bring crunch and a nutty richness—add if you like extra texture.
- Raisins (optional): Offer little pops of sweetness and chew, making each bite uniquely delightful.
How to Make Amish Applesauce Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the very first minute. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly so the cake comes out clean and easy, making serving a breeze.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisk them together until everything looks evenly speckled with spices—this blends the leavening and spices throughout the flour, which means an even, flavorful crumb.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the unsweetened applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. You want this mixture smooth and unified—those eggs and oil give your cake its beautifully tender texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the last streaks of flour disappear. Don’t overmix! This keeps your Amish Applesauce Cake soft and fluffy.
Step 5: Fold in the Extras
If you love texture and pops of flavor, now’s the time to gently fold in chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins. These are optional, but they give every forkful a wonderful surprise.
Step 6: Pour and Spread
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to gently spread it evenly. This helps ensure your cake bakes up nice and level.
Step 7: Bake
Slide the pan into your oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a crumb or two. The top should spring back when touched—it’s kitchen magic in action!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Set the cake on a rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps it hold together beautifully—and waiting just builds up the anticipation for that first warmly spiced, perfectly moist bite.
How to Serve Amish Applesauce Cake
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar is pure simplicity and elegance atop Amish Applesauce Cake. If you’re feeling indulgent, a swirl of cream cheese frosting adds tangy richness that pairs wonderfully with the spiced crumb. For an extra-special touch, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve a generous slice with steaming hot coffee, spicy chai, or a cool glass of milk for the ultimate mid-afternoon treat. Fresh apple slices or a handful of berries on the side brighten up the plate and underscore the cake’s fruity roots.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting Amish Applesauce Cake into bite-sized bars for a buffet or picnic, or stack slices with layers of cream cheese frosting to create a rustic naked cake for a fall party. You can even turn leftovers into trifle by layering cubes of cake with vanilla pudding and whipped cream—so fun and absolutely delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Amish Applesauce Cake stays moist and tempting for several days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container right on your countertop for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors only deepen, and some say it’s even tastier the next day!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this cake for longer storage. Cool it completely, then slice and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Pop them into a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost slices at room temperature or in the fridge overnight for a just-baked taste whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven coziness, warm individual pieces of Amish Applesauce Cake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you like a hint of crispness, a quick toast in a 300°F oven works too—just long enough to take the chill off and bring back that home-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Amish Applesauce Cake with whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Swapping in up to half whole wheat flour gives the cake a heartier texture and a slightly nutty flavor. It’s a great way to add extra fiber and a delicious rustic quality to the cake.
Is it necessary to use unsweetened applesauce?
Unsweetened applesauce works best, as it keeps the cake from becoming overly sweet and lets the warm spices shine through. If you only have sweetened applesauce, simply reduce the sugar a bit to maintain the perfect balance.
What other add-ins can I use?
Feel free to stir in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped dried apples, or even shredded coconut for a twist on the classic. Amish Applesauce Cake is wonderfully adaptable to your tastes.
Do I need a mixer to make this cake?
No fancy equipment required! A couple of bowls, a whisk, and a spatula are all you need. Amish Applesauce Cake is as easy as it gets, making it a perfect recipe for new bakers or anyone looking for a quick, no-fuss treat.
Can I make this cake in advance for a party?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors tend to intensify after a day, so it’s ideal for making ahead. Just store it covered until you’re ready to frost or serve so it stays perfectly moist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and tastes like tradition, you can’t go wrong with Amish Applesauce Cake. I hope you gather your ingredients and give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new favorite to share, season after season.
Print
Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Amish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Amish Applesauce Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that is perfect for fall. Filled with warm spices, chopped nuts, and plump raisins, this old-fashioned cake is a comforting treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring until just combined. Fold in nuts and raisins if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This cake tastes even better the next day.
- Enjoy plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with cream cheese frosting.
- For a heartier texture, substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
